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Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of North America's largest banks, has increased its stake in Clicks Group Limited, a leading retail and healthcare company led by South African executive Bertina Engelbrecht, to $257 million.
The move underscores RBC’s growing confidence in the country’s consumer healthcare sector and its commitment to supporting Clicks’ ongoing growth.
RBC raises stake in Clicks
The transaction, executed through RBC’s asset management arm, was disclosed on Aug. 25 in a regulatory filing. It reflects a broader trend of international financial institutions showing increased interest in South Africa’s healthcare and insurance sectors.
RBC, Canada’s largest bank by market capitalization, purchased extra shares valued at R127.46 million ($7.24 million), lifting its holding from 5 percent to 5.0138 percent. Its stake is now worth R4.53 billion ($257 million). The purchase demonstrates the bank’s confidence in Clicks’ market leadership and growth potential in South Africa’s healthcare retail industry.
Institutional investors deepen commitments
This investment strengthens RBC’s focus on supporting well-established, consumer-facing companies. South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation increased its stake to 20.135 percent in March 2025, while Standard Bank Group and JPMorgan continue to hold positions.
The clustering of these institutional investors highlights rising global interest in Clicks Group and the wider healthcare retail sector. RBC’s increased stake positions the bank as a key shareholder and reinforces international confidence in Clicks’ strategy and ability to deliver consistent shareholder returns.
Financial strength underpins market leadership
Clicks Group reported first-half fiscal 2025 revenue of R24.84 billion ($1.41 billion), up from the previous year, with net profit rising 12.9 percent to R1.44 billion ($81.4 million) and total assets increasing 11.4 percent to R20.71 billion ($1.18 billion).
Under CEO Bertina Engelbrecht, the company has grown to 936 stores, including 720 in-store pharmacies, strengthening its position as South Africa’s leading pharmacy, health, and beauty retailer. Engelbrecht personally holds 90,068 shares valued at R35.59 million ($2 million).
The flagship Clicks Pharmacy continues to drive growth, and RBC’s larger stake signals strong confidence in the company’s ongoing performance and expansion plans.
